Fox Grapples With Future of ‘Glee’ After Star’s Death

With autopsy results expected this week on actor Cory Monteith, the people behind the Fox musical series "Glee" got back to work in an attempt to chart the future of the show.

Monteith, who played Finn on the series, was found dead July 13 in a Vancouver hotel room, as previously reported. USA Today reports that the British Columbia Coroners Service performed an autopsy Monday on the 31-year-old actor, who had a history of substance abuse problems.

"Glee" is scheduled to premiere its fifth season this fall.

"Fox, the network that airs ‘Glee,’ is discussing internally how to handle the show’s new season, which was originally slated to premiere Sept. 19, before taking a break for the baseball playoffs. If the network opts to delay the air date, it would likely happen after the World Series, meaning late October or early November," USA Today reports.

"Another big issue: how to handle his death on the show, especially in terms of story lines. Complicating the issue is that Monteith dated his show co-star, Lea Michele," the report adds. "Plus, there’s the additional task of shooting season five promos, which have been delayed in the wake of the news."

Says Brooks: "I don’t think (the death) will hurt the show, assuming they handle it right. The show can certainly survive it and can perhaps even fashion a tribute in a way that honors not only him but something viewers can learn from."

Noting the possibility that Monteith died because of drug use, and given the young audience for "Glee," Brooks notes: "There could be a larger lesson that life is fragile and you need to live it in a way that’s meaningful."

Officials have ruled out foul play in Monteith’s death, the report notes. Toxicology reports from the autopsy could take several more days, and an official said there’s nothing at this point that indicates the actor’s death was attributable to illicit drugs.